Jeddah’s historic heart pulsed with the soulful sounds of jazz. The Jazz in Jeddah event brought together a mesmerizing mix of local and international artists, creating a night where cultures intertwined through music.
From the smooth melodies of Saudi jazz musicians to the dynamic performances of artists from the US, Russia, Italy, and Tunisia, the festival transformed the centuries-old streets into a stage for musical storytelling. As jazz lovers gathered to experience this fusion of tradition and modernity, the event reaffirmed Jeddah’s place as a rising hub for artistic and cultural exchange.
The music event took place at Lake AlArbaeen located in Albalad, Jeddah’s historical district that was placed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 2014.
Established in the 7th century C.E., Albalad was historically a bustling hub for trade and commerce in Jeddah. Today, it has evolved into a vibrant center for cultural and artistic events, celebrating the city’s rich heritage through music, exhibitions, and performances set against its historic backdrop.
Destination KSA spoke with Mohammed Bakhreiba, founder of Call of Culture, a social enterprise dedicated to cultural engagement as he reflected on the significance of the event. “For the past 14 years, we’ve been working on cultural programs and platforms that bring people together,” he said. “Jazz in Jeddah is a perfect example of how music can serve as a bridge between different backgrounds.”
He noted that Saudi Arabia has undergone rapid and positive change in the past five years, opening up new opportunities for cultural expression and exchange. “I think having such a platform is important because jazz is something that brings people together, and nothing better to match the vision of Saudi Arabia, but bringing people together. So jazz is great way,” he said.
Jeddah’s history as a gateway for travelers, traders, and musicians makes it the perfect setting for such an event, he added: “This city has always embraced diversity. It has long been a meeting point of cultures, and through events like this, we’re reviving an essential part of its identity. In a way, we are bringing back the musical migration that once thrived here, reintroducing it into the modern cultural fabric of Saudi Arabia.”
Saudi jazz singer Loulwa Alshareef, who performed at the festival, shared her excitement about the genre’s rapid rise in the Kingdom. “When I started singing jazz ten years ago, there wasn’t much of a scene. There weren’t many listeners, and finding an audience was a challenge,” she said. “But now, it’s growing so fast—really, really fast. There are so many jazz fans, even among the younger generation, not just the older ones. It’s amazing to see this appreciation developing.”
US soul and jazz singer Monique Thomas echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the power of music to transcend language and borders. “I am used to playing in countries all over the world. I’ve played in Dubai and different places in the world, she told Destination KA.
“I think what’s interesting is playing for people who don’t necessarily speak your language, but they can still enjoy the music. And so it’s nice to make a connection with people, even though they don’t speak your language,” she added.
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